Derby Men’s 4th XI 2-2 Worcester Men’s 3rd XI: Home side come from behind twice to gain vital point

Words by Jack Johnson.

The Derby Men’s 4^th XI claimed their first point of the season after a dramatic Nick Pereira equaliser clinched a 2-2 draw against Worcester Men’s 3^rd  XI.

Goals from Pereira and Joe Trevor helped the hosts come from behind on two occasions after Ewan Anderson and Henry Boyle scored for Worcester. The result saw them bounce back after experiencing defeat against Coventry Men’s 3^rd XI last week.

The game began very openly with both sides having plenty of half chances; Anderson had an early strike which flew over the bar before Euan Morris had a one on one saved by goalkeeper Oli Staines. Derby’s chances came from Tom McGrath and Ollie King but neither player could help to break the deadlock before half time.

Almost straight after the break a penalty was awarded to Worcester when the ball struck the arm of Dan Williams. The spot kick was converted by Anderson and the visitors had the lead. Going a goal down seemed to wake Derby up and they soon found an equaliser through Trevor. The ball ricocheted around the six-yard box and the number 9 applied the finishing touch.

The visitors thought they had the game won when Henry Boyle’s header from a free kick put them back in front. But as their opponents looked to close out the game, the home side managed to level once again. With five minutes to go, both teams were locked into another goalmouth scramble and Pereira was the beneficiary, smashing the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-2.

After coming away with a point, the Derby Men’s 4^th XI will now look ahead to their next fixture away at Oxford Brookes Men’s 2^nd XI on October 30^th.